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At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast offers an advanced Food Science internship with hands-on opportunities to develop space food that will launch in 2025. As a Space Food Systems Intern at Vast, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. Our team is developing the food and technology necessary to support life onboard our artificial-gravity commercial space station. This is a challenging role, as it involves design, analysis, and testing of foods that are absolutely critical to the safety and enjoyment of future astronauts and passengers.
We are currently hiring a Fall intern for the Space Food Systems team. Our interns are mentored by industry experts to solve challenging real-world space food problems. This is a 12-week internship at our space station factory in sunny Long Beach, CA. Non-local candidates may be eligible for relocation assistance.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Qualified candidates must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program from an accredited college or university in Food Science & Technology, Food Engineering, Food Microbiology, Sensory Science, Nutrition, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
- Ability to work full-time onsite in Long Beach, CA
Preferred Qualifications:
- Attention to detail.
- Completion of coursework in food chemistry, food microbiology, nutritional science, or space science.
- Hands-on experience in a laboratory setting, including proficiency with analytical techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting research, including experimental design, data collection, and interpretation.
- Familiarity with food processing, preservation techniques, and understanding of the unique challenges of space food systems.
- Knowledge of sensory evaluation methods and experience in developing sensory programs, including designing sensory tests, analyzing results, and applying findings to product development.
- Experience with methods for assessing food shelf life, including stability studies, spoilage detection, and quality control.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in relation to food science challenges in space environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports, present findings, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
- Genuine enthusiasm for space exploration and a keen interest in the development of space food systems.
- Application of technical skills outside of the classroom (examples include: extracurricular projects, volunteering, personal projects, laboratory research, or prior internship/work experience)
- Prior internship or work experience in food science, nutrition, or a related field is a plus.
- Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers.
- Self-directed with a positive attitude and team spirit.
Pay Rate:
- Intern, Undergraduate: $33/hr
- Intern, Master’s: $38/hr
Salary Range: California
$33—$38 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
